Greater Manchester Fire Fighters have been battling a large blaze in a field in Leigh overnight
The blaze broke out around 8.00pm
Group Manager Val Hussein, in charge at the scene, said: “This is a significant incident and our crews are working exceptionally hard in difficult conditions to bring this fire under control.
“We estimate that around 300 tonnes of compacted hay and baled wood shavings are alight in an area covering approximately 100 square metres. Firefighters are fighting the blaze in sectors using handheld firefighting jets and a high-volume pump. We have colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service assisting our crews at the scene and we expect to remain here for some hours.
“I want to thank colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service for their support at the scene.
“The materials burning have created a large plume of smoke, and for that reason I must ask that local residents continue to keep all windows and doors closed and avoid the area while crews carry out their work.”
